For the optimistic Phils fan, watching this team in 2013 has been torturous. The Phillies were unable to put together anything more than a three game win streak for two months. They had their fair share of two and three game runs, but would immediately give any ground they made up right back. Last week, with Domonic Brown in the middle of a historic hot streak, the Phillies broke through the .500 mark that had eluded them since they were 6-6 in mid-April… which, of course, cued three straight losses in Milwaukee and a serious knee injury to Erik Kratz.

For the pessimists, this latest downturn is the ultimate evidence that it’s time to close the window on this version of the Phillies roster as legitimate contenders. One thing is for sure, if the Phils don’t want to go into sell mode come July, they need Cole Hamels to be significantly better than he has been this season. Hamels was brilliant in his last start against the Marlins, fanning 11 in only seven innings for his second win of 2013. In Minnesota tonight, Hamels will try to replicate that effort against a Twins lineup that ranks 10th in the American League in runs.

Smithwicks has been around forever yet it never gets old. This red ale is one of the most common Irish brews and is perfect if you are in that Irish mood and want something lighter than a Guinness and a bit more than a Harp lager. It might not jump out at you, but you know that you are going to get a consistently solid beer, and a lot of times, that is enough.

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22 Comments

Alright so I don’t fully understand why M Young keeps being our leadoff guy. Sure, his OBP is .355, compared to Revere’s .288… but my gut says that it’s cause Charlie thinks that bunting is critical for the 2-hole and M Young can’t bunt. In any case, doesn’t this move almost completely negate Revere’s biggest quality: his speed? How can he possibly steal a base with M Young ahead of him on the basepaths? And Revere doesn’t strike me as a situational hitter either. It’s just… weird.

Winning 2 games isnt a ‘run’ its just winning 2 games. You probably right Manny if you approach it from a logical standpoint. However hasnt Young been semi-hot since they put him on the lead off spot? I have to give a little credit to Cholly for been flexible and trying new things. Even if they dont logically fit together at first.

This way revere acts as a second leadoff man, get Howard out of his comfortable 4 th spot maybe he’ll hit, play Hernandez instead of Galvis cause it only makes sense… the only reason I’ll put d young in there is cause there’s a dh and that’s all he is

As Ryan Lawrence just posted revere likes to play deep and Charlie likes him to play in more… don’t blame revere for doing what his manager asks, like I’ve said before time to can Charlie and get someone new in there.. let the players play…

I don’t think Adams has been healthy all year and e knew this would be a risk. For me Bastardo hasn’t been right since Ian Desmond homered off of him in August 2011. Personal and purely subjective comments after another pathetic loss. Really this team could be on a Marlins like run of being bad with no talent at the major league level an even less at the minor league level. I remain thoroughly disgusted.

we might as well bring up zambrano… what’s it gonna hurt… is he gonna bring drama throw bags bats and water coolers… I hope so cause at least then there will be something to watch cause they suck right now… are Howard and Galvis having a competition to see who can strike out the most…

The gameday beer for the rest of the season should be Piels. Same quality as our Phillies team. Come the trade deadline they need to unload the Rollins, Utley, Howard, Ruiz combo. It’s seriously time to move on. They got us a championship. Now let’s eat some salary, get whatever you can back in prospects and start fresh. They are not healthy and not productive. Once they do that, maybe they will be exciting to watch again. As it is now, I can only watch a couple innings before I change the channel or fall asleep.